Solin Roman, a 21-year-old former member of the infamous Americans gang, is recovering in hospital after surviving a targeted shooting in Manenberg on Sunday night.
Story Summary:
- Solin Roman, a former Americans gang member turned advocate for reform, was shot multiple times in Manenberg.
- The attack followed the funeral of his stepbrother Leeroy Dreyer, a gang member killed in a violent altercation.
- Roman has spent months working to escape his criminal past, joining a Christian rehabilitation program to rebuild his life.
Solin Roman survives horror shooting: Here’s the backstory
Police confirmed Roman was ambushed around 21:13 while walking along Renoster Road.
The suspect fled the scene and remains at large.
“According to information, the victim was walking in Renosterweg, when the suspect opened fire on him,” said Manenberg police spokesperson Anelisiwe Manyana.
“The 21-year-old victim was transported to a nearby hospital. The motive behind the incident forms part of the police’s investigation.”
The attack came just one day after the funeral of Roman’s stepbrother, Leeroy Dreyer, a high-ranking Americans gang member.
According to reports, Dreyer, whose coffin was draped in an American flag, had been fatally shot shortly after killing two bystanders in Storms River Walk.
Local rumours suggest Dreyer’s death may have been an internal act by the gang, given their control over the area.
His violent history and links to gang activity have drawn attention to the volatile dynamics within Manenberg’s gang culture.
From gangster to mentor: Roman’s path to redemption
Roman’s shooting is the latest chapter in his tumultuous journey to leave the life of crime behind.
The former gangster gained online attention earlier this year after sharing his story of transformation through the Christian organisation Sons of God Reach (SOGR).
In a widely shared video, Roman described his former life as broken and hopeless, revealing he became involved in gang activities at 19.
“Now I just want to follow the Lord,” Roman said in the video.
“My mother raised me hard, and I want to work for her and earn my own money. I also want to be a mentor to young men.”
For the past five months, Roman has been enrolled in SOGR’s rehabilitation program, a faith-based initiative that provides support to former gang members and addicts.
Under the mentorship of Jeswaine Williams, a former gang leader, Roman has been learning new skills, improving his literacy, and even working toward his learner’s license.
Despite these strides, Roman’s journey has been fraught with setbacks, including the destruction of his father’s home in a fire earlier this year.
“I don’t want to go back to my old life,” Roman said in his video.
“My point of view is, God is good all the time.”
